Capítulo 22: [22] Sakuraoka: Crucial Block
The match dynamics shifted dramatically following Ushijima's thunderous spike. Sakuraoka, who had been trailing, suddenly gained momentum.
The scoreline started tilting in their favor, and they eventually claimed the set with a final score of [22-25]. It was evident that Ushijima played a pivotal role in Sakuraoka's comeback.
Ushijima seemed determined to make up for the times when he was effectively blocked during the first half of the set. His spikes became more potent, and it was as if he had found a way to pierce through Rixe's defense. The crowd was in awe of his power and precision.
As the set progressed, Rixe's players could feel the pressure mounting. They had successfully neutralized Ushijima's attacks earlier, but now, he was proving to be an unstoppable force. Izumi and his teammates exchanged glances, knowing that they needed to come up with a counterstrategy for the next set.
"How did his spikes become so much more powerful all of a sudden?" One of Izumi's friends couldn't help but voice the question that was on everyone's mind.
During the brief break between sets, Rixe's players huddled together to discuss the developments of the last set and formulate a strategy for the one to come. They were all still reeling from the sheer force of Ushijima's spikes.
"Yeah, we followed our plan to corner him and sometimes succeeded," another teammate chimed in, "but the power behind his spikes was just too much for our receivers to handle."
"Yeah, it felt like he went through an anime-style power-up," Riku added, drawing a few chuckles from his teammates. "Now he's in his 'after power-up invincible for a couple of fights' form," he said with a grin.
As they continued discussing their strategies and Ushijima's newfound strength, Coach Endou called the team together. His words carried a mix of encouragement and a stern reminder of their objective.
"You played well during the last set," he began. "Don't let the loss affect your confidence. You executed our plan perfectly, but sometimes things don't go as expected."
He let that sink in for a moment before continuing, "It's not time to dwell on the past. It's time to focus on how we can avoid repeating the result of the last set."
With that, Coach Endou informed the team about the adjustments in tactics they would implement for the second set, instilling a renewed sense of determination in the players.
Coach Endou was in the midst of explaining their new strategy to counter Ushijima's newfound strength when Izumi unexpectedly raised his hand. Everyone turned to look at him, surprised by his interruption.
"Coach, can I say something?" Izumi asked with a determined look in his eyes. Coach Endou, equally surprised by this unusual request, nodded and said, "Of course, Miyamura-Kun. What's on your mind?"
Izumi's voice was filled with conviction as he stated, "Coach, please let me be the one to face Ushijima during his spikes."
The entire team was taken aback by Izumi's request. It was highly unusual for him to make such a specific and bold request to the coach. Coach Endou himself was momentarily stunned by the proposition. After a brief pause, he asked, "Why do you want to face Ushijima?"
Izumi's reply was resolute and to the point, "To block him."
This answer left Coach Endou both surprised and impressed. After a moment of contemplation, he finally agreed, "Alright, then. I'll leave that to you."
Riku, on the other hand, was the first to express his concerns. "Coach, are you sure about this? Izumi is our most instrumental player when it comes to playmaking. Putting him solely against Ushijima will handicap us in other departments."
Several teammates voiced their agreement with Riku's sentiments. However, Coach Endou remained steadfast in his decision. He couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence in Izumi when he saw that determined glint in his eyes when he said "To block him"
'It was the look of a true volleyball idiot those who want to play voleyball as much as they can'
With a nod, Coach Endou affirmed his choice. "It's decided. We're going with Izumi facing Ushijima." His confidence in Izumi's abilities left no room for doubt.
XxXxXxXxX
As the second set began, the gymnasium was filled with an electric atmosphere. Riku stepped up to serve, and the crowd was on the edge of their seats, anticipating another showdown between Ushijima and Izumi. Riku's serve targeted that familiar spot in front of Ushijima.
Ushijima, however, had adjusted to their tactics. With precise form, he made a perfect pass to Kouhei, setting the stage for his next attack. It was clear that Ushijima was fully prepared.
The moment arrived when the ball was set for Ushijima. His powerful legs propelled him into the air, and with impeccable timing, he delivered a spike of incredible force.
"Not this time"
But Izumi was not about to back down. Determination etched on his face, he leaped to block Ushijima's incoming attack. The gym fell silent for a split second as everyone watched with bated breath.
Yet, even with all of Izumi's effort, he couldn't stop the raw power of Ushijima's spike. The ball crashed through his outstretched hands with astonishing force. It was a display of Ushijima's newfound strength.
The impact was so tremendous that the ball ricocheted off Izumi's block, shooting high into the air. Rixe's defenders scrambled, desperately trying to regain control of the play, but the ball landed untouched on their side of the court.
[0-1]
'His spikes are as strong as middle school players— what a monstrous player" Coach Endou couldn't help but admire the talent of Ushijima~'Now what will you response will be Miyamura-Kun'
In the ensuing rally, Ushijima once again received the ball from Kouhei's precise set. His determination to break through Rixe's defence was ever present.
As he closed in on the net, he couldn't help but notice Izumi's arms extending, poised to thwart his attack.
Unfazed by the challenge, Ushijima altered his approach, angling the ball even more sharply. With astonishing swiftness, he unleashed a spike with a mesmerizing spin.
Izumi reacted with lightning speed, leaping to intercept the attack. The ball met Izumi's hands with a deafening collision.
For a brief moment, it appeared that Izumi had successfully blocked Ushijima's strike.
However, the incredible spin Ushijima had imparted to the ball came into play. The ball's trajectory shifted mid-air, eluding Izumi's block by the narrowest margin, grazing his fingertips.
It landed just inside the court, taking the Rixe defenders completely by surprise.
[0-2]
The crowd erupted into a mix of astonishment and applause as Ushijima's incredible shot found its mark, putting Sakuraoka ahead in the second set.
'shit! I wasn't fast enough— well even if I was fast I wouldn't have able to stop it! I have to do something about the power'
As the match pressed on, Sakuraoka maintained their lead, much to the frustration of Rixe. Points were hard-fought, and Izumi found himself actively involved, doing his best to contribute to his team's score. However, they remained trailing behind Sakuraoka in terms of points.
Amidst the intense rallies, Izumi couldn't help but dwell on his earlier attempts to block Ushijima.The sheer power and precision of Ushijima's spikes had proven to be a formidable challenge. Izumi knew that something needed to change if they were to stand a chance of turning the match around.
In the brief moments between plays, he mentally dissected his approach. He pondered different strategies and angles, trying to envision the perfect block that would thwart Ushijima's relentless attacks.
Izumi was determined to figure out a way to neutralize Ushijima's dominance at the net, not only for his team's sake but also to prove to himself that he could rise to the challenge.
With each passing point, the gears in Izumi's mind continued to turn, searching for that elusive solution that would bring Rixe back into contention.
Doubt nagged at him, but he pushed it aside, reminding himself of his unwavering passion for the game and the determination that had brought him this far. Izumi knew he had to adapt, learn, and evolve to become the formidable blocker his team needed.
In the midst of the match's intensity, Izumi's inner thoughts became a driving force, urging him to unlock the key to countering Ushijima's unstoppable spikes.
During an intense rally, Sakuraoka held a four-point lead with the score at [11-15]. Rixe needed a game-changing moment, and Izumi sensed the urgency.
As Ushijima prepared for yet another powerful spike, Izumi knew he had to act. He focused every ounce of his determination on this critical block.
Izumi anticipated Ushijima's spike with precision. He timed his jump perfectly, soaring into the air with his eyes locked on the incoming attact!
'I need to stop this one'
With remarkable speed and agility, Izumi extended his arms, meeting Ushijima's spike head-on. The collision felt like a thunderous clap, a brief pause in the action.
'Yoshhhhhhhh!'
Izumi's block redirected Ushijima's spike back towards Sakuraoka's side of the court. Ushijima's teammates could only watch in disbelief as their ace's attack was thwarted.
[12-15]
"Nice block" "Miyamura-Kun you did it!" "let's go" "Miyamura give us anthor one"
Izumi's vertical jump block had not only saved a crucial point but also reignited his team's spirit.
Rixe's supporters erupted in cheers, fueled by their star player's extraordinary play. The battle between Izumi and Ushijima raged on, and the match's intensity continued to surge.
Amidst the cheers and the electrifying atmosphere, Izumi and Ushijima shared an unspoken excitement. Their eyes met, and in that intense moment, they both knew they were in for an epic showdown. The prospect of facing each other brought a spark of anticipation to their expressions, and their feral grins only grew wider, hinting at the thrilling battle that lay ahead.
[A/N— probably gonna finish this match in next chapter the we will dive in to slice of life chapters for some days— btw suggest me characters that will be perfect for being Izumi's (Miyamur's) cousin—like daughter of his mom's sister also add the anime,manga or light novel they are from!!]
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